Gertrude Clara Lisetta Steffens Porterfield

On November 14, 2011 Gertrude (Trudy) Porterfield, our beloved mother, joined other loved ones who had been called to heaven before her. Mom will be remembered for her enthusiasm for life; optimistic attitude; nurturing and caring spirit; devotion to and love of her family; and, her unwavering faith in God. Mom was born on September 19, 1926 to Adolph and Marie Steffens in Corder, Missouri. After graduating from Concordia High School she fulfilled her childhood dream of leaving farm life behind and pursuing employment in Kansas City. She landed a secretarial job at the American Red Cross. Shortly thereafter she was swept off her feet by a handsome young man, Jack Porterfield. They were married November 17, 1946 in Topeka, Kansas. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Connie and Carla. Mom joined Dad as an IRS employee in the 1960’s. Mom loved her roles as a wife, mother and homemaker, but still found time to be a room mother, active PTA member, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, church choir member, Lutheran Women’s League Officer and family seamstress – sewing most of her and her girls’ clothing. Later in life she volunteered at Shawnee Mission Medical Center and in the Shawnee Mission School District. She resumed her love of dancing and danced up to four times a week well into her seventies. Preceding her in death were her husband Jack, her parents, brothers Ralph, Harvey, Robert and Homer, sisters Elverna, Irene, Venita and Mary Jane. Survivors include sister Viola Krause, daughters Connie Robertson and Carla (Marcus) Gatewood, grandchildren Travis, Jordan (Jessica), and Tyler (Jacy) Gatewood and Drew Robertson. She also leaves behind great grandchildren Isela, Elina, Clara and Alexander Gatewood. Her life will be remembered and celebrated Friday, November 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 9101 Lamar, Overland Park, Kansas with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Mount Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes, Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to Odyssey Hospice, 8735 Rosehill Road, Suite 200, Lenexa, Kansas 66215. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.